Review: The LEGO® Builder's Handbook - A Bridge to Mastery

[JopieK]

 

 

Review: The LEGO® Builder's Handbook – A Bridge to Mastery

Deepak Shenoy's "The LEGO® Builder's Handbook" is a standout addition to the growing body of LEGO literature tailored to AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO). Unlike many other books that focus on showcasing impressive MOCs (My Own Creations) or providing step-by-step instructions, Shenoy takes a unique, and arguably more valuable, approach.This book is a comprehensive guide, systematically teaching the techniques and principles behind expert LEGO creations.

Contents Overview

Foreword / Acknowledgments / Introduction xxi

Part I: The Basics

1. The LEGO System 3

   • Discover the history and fundamental principles behind the LEGO system, from its origins to the modern brick.

2. All About Scale 17

   • Explore the concepts of scale and proportion, and learn how to create realistic LEGO replicas of real-world structures.

3. Basic LEGO Techniques 37

   • Master essential building techniques borrowed from masonry to ensure your LEGO creations are sturdy and robust.

Part II: Breaking Free from the Grid

4. Half-Stud Offsets 59

   • Unleash the power of jumper plates and half-stud offsets to add subtle details and realism to your models.

5. Sideways Building (SNOT) 73

   • Expand your building possibilities by mastering SNOT techniques and creating intricate shapes and details.

6. Angled Walls 95

   • Break free from the confines of 90-degree angles and learn to construct angled walls with precision.

7. Round Shapes 115

   • Discover techniques for building cylinders, circular walls, domes, and even spheres using LEGO elements.

Part III: Computer-Assisted Builds

8. Mosaics 133

   • Transform images into stunning LEGO mosaics with the help of software tools and clever building techniques.

9. Sculptures 149

   • Bring organic shapes to life by converting 3D models into impressive LEGO sculptures.

• Next Steps 163

  • Find answers to your questions about sourcing LEGO pieces, organizing your collection, and engaging with the LEGO community.

• Image Credits / Index 171

A Systematic Approach to LEGO Mastery

One of the book's greatest strengths is its logical and clear progression. Shenoy starts with the fundamentals of the LEGO system, ensuring even beginners can grasp the key concepts. From there, the book introduces increasingly sophisticated techniques, enabling readers to handle complex challenges.

Angled Walls & Curves: A common challenge in LEGO building is overcoming the inherent squareness of the traditional brick. However, "The LEGO® Builder's Handbook" provides ingenious solutions to this limitation. The chapter on angled walls, for instance, demystifies the use of Pythagorean triples and near-triples, referencing iconic builds like the Boutique Hotel to illustrate how to achieve precise, non-perpendicular structures. Moreover, the book's in-depth exploration of round shapes and SNOT techniques empowers builders to transcend the grid, showcasing how to construct intricate (and good looking) curves and details, such as the majestic dome of the Taj Mahal or the elegant crown of the Chrysler Building. These techniques open up a world of creative possibilities, enabling AFOLs to break free from the constraints of the square grid and build truly awe-inspiring creations.

Focused on Technique, Not Just Inspiration

While many AFOL books, such as Tom Alphin's "The LEGO Architect," offer a wealth of creative inspiration, "The LEGO® Builder's Handbook" distinguishes itself by its focus on practical techniques and foundational principles. Shenoy empowers readers to translate their ideas into reality, providing them with the skills and knowledge to build their own masterpieces from scratch. The book goes beyond showcasing impressive LEGO creations, like those found in Mike Doyle's "Beautiful LEGO," by equipping readers with the tools to understand and implement various building techniques.It delves into crucial aspects like scaling, demonstrating how to adapt real-world objects into different LEGO scales, such as minifigure or Miniland (the size used in the parks), and references original LEGO sets that can serve as a springboard for MOC builders.

Where LEGO® artistry meets geometry! 📐

This sneak peek reveals how "The LEGO® Builder's Handbook" bridges the gap between creative building and mathematical concepts. As you can see, Deepak manages to connect  techniques from real LEGO® sets, like the angled walls of the Boutique Hotel, to geometry in an understandable and useful way:

A Must-Have for Ambitious Builders

"The LEGO® Builder’s Handbook" fills a critical gap in LEGO literature. It serves as a bridge between simply admiring impressive LEGO builds and creating your own ambitious projects. For any AFOL serious about advancing their skills,this book is a must-have. By mastering the techniques within, readers will feel empowered to create everything from complex architectural designs to captivating sculptures—and anything else their imagination dreams up.

Readability and Accessibility

The book is written in a conversational style that’s easy to follow, even for those without extensive LEGO building experience. Shenoy avoids complicated jargon, making sure the concepts are accessible to a wide range of readers.Moreover, the book is filled with clear illustrations and diagrams that reinforce the techniques being explained, making it even easier to follow along.

Ideal Age Range and Target Audience

Given its depth, I’d recommend this book for readers aged 12 and above. While younger LEGO fans might find some of the concepts challenging, teenagers and adults will appreciate the opportunity to expand their building skills. The focus on transitioning from pre-designed sets to MOCs aligns well with older fans who are ready for more creative and complex projects.

While "The LEGO® Builder’s Handbook" begins with the basics, it quickly moves on to more advanced techniques like SNOT building, angled construction, and using computer-aided design (CAD). As a result, it’s best suited for intermediate to more advanced AFOLs who have already mastered the fundamentals and are eager to push their skills further.

Overall: "The LEGO® Builder's Handbook" is a valuable resource that empowers LEGO enthusiasts to unlock their full creative potential. It's a testament to the boundless possibilities of the LEGO brick and a must-read for anyone who dreams of building beyond the instructions.

Number of pages: 200 (including cover).
Price: Amazon sells it for around € 25 (from November, you can pre-order already), it seems local bookstores will also have it soon as well!
 

 

Thanks again Deepak Shenoy's (aka @Deep Shen) for allowing @Jim and me to be able to get the book early and do a review and congratulations on your great endeavor for all fellow LEGO enthusiasts!

[_TLG_]

Seems to be cool!

[MKJoshA]

Hmm, I'm interested in this book now. Thanks for sharing!